Helping hand:
SWISS tennis superstar Roger Federer and Andy Murray have joined hands with the rest of the world in pulling together resources to help people affected by Cyclone Idai.
Through his foundation, Federer announced he is helping thousands of people affected by the disaster which left a trail of destruction and deaths in Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique.
The 37-year-old, who has 101 career titles under his belt, is one of the major sports personalities to lead the campaign.
“Cyclone Idai is an unbelievable disaster. And it hit the most vulnerable ones in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. It will take years for people to recover.
“My thoughts and solidarity are with the thousands of displaced people and families who lost their loved ones,” said Federer in a statement.
Apart from the cyclone relief, Federer has been involved in various educational projects in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and South Africa.
In a recent interview with the Tennis World USA, Roger Federer commented on what led him to start his Foundation back in 2003.
The 37-year old said he is always in contact with the region because of his proximity to Africa through his South African mother.
“When I got into tennis I was finally able to make some money, and make a name for myself, you feel fortunate, and how do you share that feeling with other people, I just thought that education is something that really interests me.
“I thought let me get stuck into childhood education, early education”, said Federer.
British tennis ace Murray also took notice of the Cyclone Idai disaster through a Facebook post and appealed for more donations towards the relief efforts.
“Cyclone Idai has destroyed crops, displaced families from their homes and severely affected access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
“UNICEF UK is working around the clock to deliver life-saving supplies and services to children and their families.
“Up to 2 million people have been affected by the disaster so far and the death toll continues to rise.
“Along with governments and partners across the region, UNICEF is responding to the affected children and families, and supporting a fast, sustainable recovery. Please help by donating to the UNICEF UK Urgent Appeal today,” he said.